Joining the Team
Everything you need to know if you have been asked to be a Mudbug
Do you hold tryouts?
Mudbugs is an invitation-only team. While we do not hold an official tryout, we are always on the lookout for skilled players with great attitudes who are looking to improve their game.
How much does it cost?
Our coaching staff and administrators are entirely volunteer. Because of this, there is no set fee to play for the Mudbugs. There are costs associated with tournaments, which usually include registration fees. This cost is split between the players who attend the tournaments and usually range from about $40-$60 per player.
Tournaments sometimes have spectator and parking fees, but this varies depending on the tournament. We do travel for some tournaments and players who attend are responsible for travel costs and accommodations. Some tournaments are considered “Stay and Play” and we are required by the hosting organization to stay in certain hotels, but this isn’t always the case.
Players purchase their own uniforms, and we have a package set with a local vender. The package includes two customized jersey tops with name and number, a pair of uniform shorts, a customized duffle bag, leggings, a hoodie, and a pair of sweatpants. The total for all of these items is around $250. These items are not required and we do have some generic Mudbugs uniforms that players can use if needed.
What age group is the Mudbugs?
This is a tricky question. We have players that range in age from 11-13. Each tournament has different requirements for age range. Some have two year age brackets while some separate the ages by one year. Some use the player’s age on January 1st as the cutoff date and some use August 1st. Because of this, we determine which age group we play in based on which players are available for that specific tournament. In some cases, we have enough players to field two teams in two different age groups.
How do we order uniforms?
Our team manager (Liz) will usually make an order every so often for new uniforms.
How do you communicate with the team?
We are using the Gamechanger app for communication. This allows us to add practices and games to a calendar, facilitate group discussion, and send out announcements. Find out how to use Gamechanger.
Schedule Info
Everything you need to know if you have been asked to be a Mudbug
When do you practice?
Unfortunately, we are unable to have a set practice schedule because our head coach works shift work, which prevents him from being available every afternoon. Because of this, practices are scheduled as soon as he knows his schedule and there may be some last minute practices. We usually practice more often as we get closer to a tournament.
Where do you practice?
Practice location sometimes varies depending on where we can get space and if we need lights. We most often practice at Tee-Joe Gonzales Park.
Which Tournaments do you go to?
The GM (Liz) will send possible tournaments out to the team as she finds them. Team members can respond if they are available, and we attend tournaments only when we have enough interest. We will usually commit once we have 7 players on board. We have attended tournaments in Dallas, San Antonio, Dothan, Thibodaux, Houston, and many local tournaments as well.
Are you part of LA Prospects?
Our head coach also coaches in the recreational division for LA Prospects. We have many players who play on recreational teams with this organization. While we are not directly a part of the organization, we are sanctioned to play in NFL Flag tournaments and represent the organization in these cases. For those tournaments, only players who have played at least one season during the last year in the recreational division within LA Prospects are eligible to play.
Can my child still play rec with La Prospects?
Yes, we encourage our players to continue playing rec. We do not play in tournaments that will conflict with the LA Prospects recreational schedule.
Where do you stay for out of town tournaments?
Some tournaments require us to stay at particular hotels, but this usually isn’t the case. We will typically send out messaging for the hotel the coach is staying at and many of the players prefer to stay in the same hotel, but this isn’t a requirement. Occasionally we will rent an Airbnb if the location and number of players allow for that to work.